LA Doctor Sentenced to Jail Time for Road Rage Attack on Cyclists

A former emergency room physician from Los Angeles was sentenced to five years in jail time for an accident with two cyclists on Mandeville Canyon Rd. in July 2008. The doctor deliberately slammed on his car brakes just moments after passing a pair of cyclists, causing one to smash into his rear window and the other to fall onto the curb pavement. The victim who slammed into the vehicle’s rear window had his nose sliced off and lost several teeth, while the other victim suffered from road rash and a separated shoulder.

In November 2009, a judge found the driver guilty of numerous charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, battery with serious bodily injury, reckless driving causing specified bodily injury and mayhem. The doctor reportedly had “exchanged words” with the cyclists after sounding his horn at them. He had told a traffic investigator that he “passed them up and then stopped in front to teach them a lesson.” The judge calls the case a “wake-up call” to motorists and cyclists and urges city authorities to build more bike lanes.

A bicyclist is fatally injured every six hours in the United States. Cyclists, unfortunately, face serious dangers on the roads of Southern California. If you, or a family member, have suffered personal injury from a bicycle accident, you may be able to recoup compensation for medical expenses and other losses. Contact the experienced San Fernando Valley bike accident lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm to learn more about your rights and for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source:http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/la-doctor-jailed-for-road-rage-attack-on-cyclists-24570